Original Item: Only One Available. This is very nice German WWII 1st Pattern Reichsluftschutzbund (National Air Raid Protection League - RLB) Leader's Armband, utilized by officer's in the organization. It is constructed of a light blue rayon band with a machine embroidered RLB Starburst logo in the center over a swas (hook cross) correct for a 1st pattern armband. The 2nd pattern had a simplified design with just a swas in the middle of the starburst. It features strips of white/silver tresse on the edges, indicating it was for an officer. The EM/NCO armband is identical except has no silver border. The armband measures approximately 14 1/2" x 4", and is sewn together in the back.

The armband is in very good condition, showing wear and staining consistent with moderate service. There are also a few tiny holes and age toning to the fabric as well, giving a great "broken in" look.

Ready to add to your German Armband collection!

History of the RLB

Formed in late 1932 the Deutsches Luftschutzverband, (German Air Protection League), was a voluntary organization designed to provide civil air raid protection in large civilian centers. Shortly after AH ascension to power the Deutsches Luftschutzverband was restructured and placed under the supervision of the Reichsluftfahrtministerium, (National Air Ministry), under the control of Hermann Göring. On April 29TH 1933 the Deutsches Luftschutzverband was renamed RLB, Reichs Luftschutz Bund, (National Air Raid Protection League), and all existing volunteer air raid precaution associations were forced to merge with RLB. The organization was given status as an official national organization tasked with all aspects of civil air raid defense. The RLB remained a voluntary organization with a small cadre of paid, full-time uniformed officials to oversee the organizations functions until June 1935 when obligatory service was introduced.

In 1939 the RLB became a Körperschaft des öffentlichen Rechts (quasi-autonomous non-governmental organization), while in 1944 it became an affiliated organization of the NSDAP Party. It was in charge of educating and training ordinary German men and women in civil defense procedures necessary for the basic level of local self-help of the civil population against air raids. The local level was formed around air raid wardens and operated in small first intervention squads. The training include fire fighting, protection against chemical weapons, communication procedures and preparation of houses and apartments against air raids.